Hi
While I am recording with my Z5, in the top right hand size of the LCD display I get 8 zeros grouped in twos, 00 00 00 00 and just below that I get the remaining time of the DV tape; and they do not advance it stays at zero all the time. Can someone tell me what are the zeros for?

Sounds like you are displaying UserBits, instead of TimeCode. Is there a TC/U-BIT toggle button on the Z5, like the Z1?

BTW Stelios, have a look at this (http://forums.dvdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=47452) thread!!

Around page 89 of your manual. Go to the TC/UB menu.

Thanks guys for the info but can you explain to me in plain English what is the UserBits and Time Code? What do you use this for? I never had this on my FX7.

Stelios

Timecode is just that: a digital numbering system that identifies each frame. Usually is starts from zero at the beginning of the tape but with the Z5 and most pro cams you can set it to start anywhere you like and either run continuously or only while you are shooting.

User bits is anything you want it to be: you set it to read any data you want to put on the tape, subject to format limitations, like date, time of day, camera # or letter, etc. All is explained in the manual.

Thanks Adam. Can I set it as not to display the zeros as I find it distracting.

Stelios

Make sure you don't record the User bit info to tape so that it is always on the tape in play back!

What I mean is that I did this once on a Panasonic camera and there were 00 00 00 00 type info across the entire screen.

Lucky the football I filmed was not a Grand FInal!!!!!

Not sure if this can be turned on/off on a Sony or not?

I don't think there's any way to have nothing at all in the LCD or VF. Obviously you could switch UB to TC and have that show instead, but I don't think there's any way to make that invisible.

And it's not likely that data is actually burned onto the tape unless you tell it to, and even then I think it's only date and time upon request.

Just spend some time with your manual and all will become clear. DISPLAY SET Menu controls what you see in the LCD.